Cheesy Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Casserole
Looking for a cozy, delicious, and satisfying meal? This Cheesy Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Casserole is the answer! A delightful blend of savory ground beef (or pork) and nutritious spinach combined with al dente tagliatelle, all enveloped in a rich, zesty tomato sauce and crowned with a golden layer of parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish combines comfort and nutrition in every bite. Serve it with a crisp salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
oil
2 teaspoons (for sautéing)
onion
1 (chopped)
ground beef or ground pork
250 g (raw)
chopped tomatoes
2 (400 g) cans (canned)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (dry seasoning)
chili flakes
2 teaspoons (dry seasoning)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
frozen spinach
10 ounces (thawed)
tagliatelle pasta noodles (or other pasta)
200 g (uncooked)
grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
In a deep frying pan over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the chopped onion for 1-2 minutes until translucent.
3
Add the ground beef (or pork) to the pan and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Add the frozen spinach to the mixture and continue simmering for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is heated through and well combined.
6
In the meantime, cook the tagliatelle pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
7
Combine the pasta with the meat and spinach mixture in the baking tray, stirring gently to mix.
8
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
9
Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad and garlic bread!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ground Beef and Spinach Pasta Casserole?
It is a cozy and satisfying meal featuring savory ground beef or pork, spinach, and tagliatelle pasta in a zesty tomato sauce topped with melted parmesan cheese.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F).
What type of meat can I use for this recipe?
You can use 250g of either ground beef or ground pork.
How much pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 200g of uncooked tagliatelle pasta or a similar pasta variety.
Should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Yes, cook the tagliatelle according to package directions and drain it before combining it with the meat and spinach mixture.
How much spinach is needed and should it be fresh or frozen?
The recipe requires 10 ounces of frozen spinach, which should be thawed before use.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The sauce uses two 400g cans of chopped tomatoes.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
Once assembled, the casserole bakes for approximately 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Which cheese is best for the topping?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the topping.
What spices are included in this dish?
The seasoning consists of 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of chili flakes, and salt and pepper to taste.
How do I prepare the onion?
One onion should be chopped and sautéed in oil for 1-2 minutes until it becomes translucent.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
How long should I cook the ground beef?
The ground beef should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
When do I add the spinach to the pan?
Add the spinach after the meat and tomato mixture has simmered for 3-4 minutes, then continue simmering for another 3-4 minutes.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and comfort food, making it perfect for weeknights.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
It is recommended to serve this dish with a fresh salad and warm garlic bread.
How much oil is needed for sautéing?
You will need 2 teaspoons of oil.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned chopped tomatoes for convenience and moisture, you could use fresh tomatoes if you adjust the liquid content.
Is the dish spicy?
It contains 2 teaspoons of chili flakes, which provides a mild to moderate heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
Can I substitute tagliatelle with another pasta?
Yes, while tagliatelle is suggested, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Combine the cooked pasta with the meat and spinach mixture directly in the baking tray, stirring gently to mix.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding pasta?
The sauce simmers for about 7-8 minutes in total (3-4 minutes alone and 3-4 minutes with spinach) before being mixed with the pasta.
Do I need to let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool slightly after removing it from the oven to help the flavors settle.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey would be a suitable leaner alternative to ground beef or pork.
How many cans of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses two 400 gram cans.
Is this a nutritious meal?
Yes, it combines protein from the meat, vitamins from the spinach, and energy from the pasta for a balanced comfort meal.
What is the preparation for the beef?
The ground beef should be raw when starting and broken apart during the browning process.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables.
Should the garlic be fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach, though you may need a larger volume as it wilts down significantly when cooked.